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BYD is not waiting for the crowd to catch up. The Chinese automaker has now released the first official images of the new Sealion 05, and the message is clear enough: this SUV is coming in both full-electric and plug-in hybrid DM-i forms, with the official debut set for April 20.
The Sealion 05 follows BYD’s familiar family look, but there is a fresher, more youthful edge to it this time. The orange-red body color shown in the images gives the SUV a stronger street presence, while semi-hidden door handles keep the profile clean and modern. One detail will also grab the attention of ADAS fans: a roof-mounted LiDAR unit may be part of the package, hinting at a more advanced driver-assistance setup.
A compact SUV with serious space
Size matters in this segment, and the Sealion 05 plays the numbers well. It measures 4,620 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,630 mm tall, riding on a 2,770 mm wheelbase. That puts it squarely in the sweet spot for buyers who want city-friendly dimensions without giving up rear-seat comfort or cargo flexibility.
Inside, BYD has kept the cabin practical but far from plain. A 15.6-inch floating central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, paired with an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster. Physical controls remain in place below the display and on the steering wheel, which should please drivers who still prefer buttons over endless menus. There is also a column-mounted gear selector, a 50W wireless charging pad, dual cup holders, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and power front seats with both heating and ventilation. Fold the rear seats down, and BYD says the cabin can even turn into a “large bed” layout.
That is the kind of detail that tells you exactly who this SUV is aimed at. Families. Weekend travelers. Buyers who want flexibility without paying luxury-brand money.
Two powertrain paths, same launch date
The electric Sealion 05 EV will be offered with two rear-mounted single-motor setups. One delivers 200 kW, or 268 hp, while the stronger version produces 240 kW, equal to 322 hp. BYD is also expected to use its second-generation Blade Battery here, along with flash-charging technology, which should help the EV stay competitive in a fast-moving market.
The DM-i version takes a different route. It uses BYD’s fifth-generation hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-liter engine rated at 74 kW with a synchronous permanent magnet motor producing 120 kW, or 161 hp. Buyers will reportedly be able to choose between 26.6 kWh and 34.275 kWh LFP battery packs, with CLTC electric-only range figures ranging from 220 km to 305 km.
That is a strong number for a plug-in hybrid SUV, especially for drivers who can complete most daily trips without touching the fuel tank. The DM-i variant also brings DiSus-C continuous damping control and BYD’s DiPilot 300 LiDAR-based driver-assistance system, which pushes it further up the tech ladder.
Dealer information suggests the Sealion 05 DM-i will be launched in four trims. The lineup starts with the 220 Starter at 96,000 yuan, or about 13,900 USD, followed by the 220 Navigator at 106,000 yuan, the 220 Smart Navigator at 116,000 yuan, and the range-topping 305 Smart Navigator at 126,000 yuan, roughly 18,300 USD.
The Sealion 05 EV itself is not exactly a newcomer. It went on sale last March and found its strongest market moment in September 2025, when sales in China reached 12,067 units. Like many models in the industry, it saw a dip in January and February this year before recovering in March. Now, with the new Sealion 05 lineup expanding to include both EV and DM-i versions, BYD is clearly looking to give the nameplate a much broader reach.
Comments
mechbyte
Looks cool but is that LiDAR real or just optional add-on? 305 km CLTC on PHEV sounds optimistic, real world will tell. Also why only rear motor on EV..?
rpmedge
Wow, BYD is srsly pushing tech here... LiDAR on a family SUV? wild. Love the looks, orange color pops, seats fold to bed perfect weekend car. Price seems fair, curious about real range tho
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